"late" does not refer to the season, it refers to the status of aforementioned woodpecker. 10/19  I just saw two of my favorite birds: MERLIN and RED-HEADED WOODPECKER.  The Merlin, an adult male, very much alive. The woodpecker, also adult,  very much not. The Merlin was perched on a snag 20 yards west of Esworthy Road, 100 yards n.w. of the intersection of Esworthy and Query Mill Rd in Darnestown.  I always look for merlins this time of year, while commuting, have seen them in that area 5 out of last 6 autumns.  This one had a bird in its talons on the perch.  I made a U-turn and saw the prey was an adult Red-headed Woodpecker.  Drove home, got my binos, started dialing Lydia Schindler on my cell (busy signal!!!).  Got back to the site, the merlin was starting to feed, feathers flying everywhere.  I was able to approach very close, even saw the distinctive woodpecker feet (2 toes forward, 2 back). Kept calling Lydia, no go. Merlin chowing down. I could literally see its crop getting bigger. Still busy signal. Drove to Lydia's house, pounded on  the door, greeted Paul perfunctorily (apologies Paul) and shouted to Lydia the news.  we drove back to the spot, the Merlin was just finishing eating.  We watched it at close range another 5-10 minutes while it preened and cleaned, then it flew off, crossing Esworthy Road heading east. The merlin was on the perch for at least 30 minutes from the time I first saw it. - Don Simonson, Darnestown, Mont. Co. , MD.